The New Nation - Internet Edition

Desk Report

Terming the state of emergency as a tool for violating workers' and people's right Bangladesh Communist Party President Manjurul Ahsan Khan yesterday protested the dual role of the present Government towards the workers and owners.

Indicating to the holding of elections in organisations like FBCCI, he alleged in the name of emergency, the Government had banned all kinds of trade union activities but allowed elections in the influential owners association. The veteran communist leader was speaking at a press briefing after holding a view exchange meeting with 56 garment worker organisations at CPB central office in the city.

CPB general secretary Mujahedul Islam Salim, presidium member Shahidullah Chowdhury, Mahbub Alam, Ruhin Hossain Prince,Ahsan Kabir Lablo, Morshed Ali, Adv Ismael Hossain, Ruhul Amin, Abul Hossain, Nazma Akter and Shamim Imam, among others, took part at the view exchange meeting.

He urged the government to withdraw the restrictions on trade union immediately for the greater interest of the nation.

Terming the proposed Labour Ordinance 2008 a tool for harassing the workers, he said people would take to the streets if the black law is promulgated in the country.

Referring to the increasing price hike of all the essential commodities, CPB president demanded dearness allowance and introduction of rationing system for the poorer people.

He also demanded of the Government to withdraw false cases against the workers leaders.

Meanwhile, CPB president and general secretary in a joint statement yesterday reiterated their demand for the trial of the war criminals and criticised the Government for not allowing the Sector Commanders Forum to hold convention.

This will patronise the war criminals only, the statement said.

They urged the Government to implement the new National Women Policy, ensuring fundamental rights, lifting the state of emergency, bring the corrupts to he books with iron hands.